JM: Did you find it difficult to get along with other inmates? Please give examples to explain why you did or didn't. Timmy: It is not difficult to get along with other inmates. There is some
degree of self segregation that takes place but it is not enforced
as any sort of "Jail Code." When you are initially housed at the
annex facility inmate relations are more strained than in the
Frostproof facility due to overcrowding. At the annex it is
important to attempt to make contact with people of your own
race first. I'm not saying to avoid contact with other races but
maintain your sovereignty. You will be forced to sleep in the day
room when you first arrive. There are no toilets in the dayroom
so you will need to make friends within one of the 8 rooms right
away. As soon as you get there place your bed roll on a bunk in
the day room and visually survey the lower rooms. Look for one
that is occupied by predominantly your race and age group.
Walk upstairs and do the same for the upper rooms. Once you
find one that seems the closest match go to that room and ask if
they have any open bunks. The answer will ALWAYS be NO. Then
ask if they have any room on the floor. Sleeping on the floor in a
room is better than a bunk in the day room. If they tell you No
and don't offer to help you find a spot in another room then go
to another room and try again. You do not have to stick to your
race. If you see a room that has older black men and you are a
white man you can go ask them if they have room and may get
good results. If you're not a Young black male do not attempt to
move in with other young black males. Mexicans are pretty cool
too. They will accept whites but you will be expected to maintain
a high standard of personal hygiene as well as cleanliness in the
room. Toilet use protocol is different in every room. Watch how
the other guys do it and do as they do. Some rooms vacate the
room when someone is using the toilet others do not. Michael: didnt interact much with others. Frank: WELL IVE BEEN AROUND AND YOU GOTTA KNOW TO CARRY
YOURSELF ITS ALL ABOUT RESPECT IT IS AND WILL BE
HARD IF YOU WALK AROUND WITH AN ATTITUDE AND
COCKY I ONCE HAD A INMATE TELL ME IF HE HAD SEEN
ME ON STREETS HE TAKE THE GOLD TOOTH I HAVE OUT
MY MOUTH AND JUST TOLD HIM TO JUST GO AHEAD AND
DO IT NOW WHEN HE SAW I WOULD STAND UP FOR MY
SELF HELEFT ME ALONE
JM: What types of things did you have to do to avoid problems or fights with other inmates? Timmy: #1) No gambling – this leads to big problems
#2) Do not attempt to get or use contraband including, all drugs
and tobacco. This will only lead to problems for you.
#3) Keep to your self. Do not be Mr. Social
#4) If you have money and order canteen share with the people in
your room Michael: never was an issue Frank: YOU HAVE TO GET IN WHERE YOU FIT IN FIND OTHERS
WHO HAVE COMMON INTEREST AND HANG WITH THEM YOU
CANT JUST BE BY YOURSELFBECAUSE IF YOU DO THEY
WILL THINK YOU THINK YOU ARE BETTER THAN
EVERYBODY ELSE AND THEN YOU WILL HAVE THEM ALL
WATCHING YOU AND THEN IF SOMEONE DOES GET
SOMETHING AGAINST YOU THEY WONT BOTHER BECAUSE
THEY KNOW YOU HAVE OTHERRS ON YOUR SIDE YOU HAVE
TO WORK OUT ALOT TOO TO LET EVERYBODY SEE THAT
YOU ARE ABLE TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF THOUGH TOO
JM: Were you able to choose an inmate as your cellmate if you knew one? How often would your cellmate(s) change? Timmy: Yes, In Polk you can always choose your bunk assignment. Michael: no Frank: YEA THE PRETTY MUCH LET YOU GANG UP TOGETHER IN
POLK COUNTY FLA THEY DONT REGULATE ANYTHING
UNTIL ITS TOO LATE AND THERRES A FIGHT THEN
EVERYBODY GET LOCKDOWN FOR 24 HRS WHETHER YOU
HAD ANYTHING TO DO WITH IT OR NOT CELLMATES
CHANGE CONSTANTLY IN COUNTY JAIL CUZ THE JUST
ARREST YOU FOR ANY LITTLE TRIVIAL THING JUST TO
MAKE MONEY OFF YOU BEING THERE